ISRO To Soon Launch Cartosat-3 Satellite To Boost Border Surveillance

ISRO is gearing up for satellite launches which will take place over the next two months. The Indian Space Research Organization will launch the Cartosat-3 cartography satellite on November 25. In addition, the space agency will also launch 13 commercial nanosatellites into sun-synchronous orbit, ISRO said in an official announcement.

Advertisement

ISRO Cartosat-3 Launch

The upcoming Cartosat-3 satellite and the 13 commercial nanosatellites launch will take off from the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-XL rocket. The rocket is expected to launch in the morning, Indian time. Reports say that the new launch is aimed at boosting border security with ISRO keeping 'eyes in the sky'.

Advertisement

"India's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, PSLV-C47 will launch Cartosat-3 and 13 commercial nanosatellites into Sun Synchronous orbit from Satish Dhawan Space Center (SDSC) SHAR, Sriharikota," ISRO said. The lift-off will mark the 74th launch vehicle mission, the agency added.

What Is ISRO Cartosat-3?

The Cartosat-3 satellite is the third-generation agile advanced satellite having high-resolution imaging capability. The satellite is believed to have a powerful resolution of 25cm and can distinguish between different objects placed 25cm apart. The Cartosat-3 satellite is considered the most advanced satellite to aid in military surveillance to trace terror groups and their hideouts.

Advertisement

In addition to the Cartosat-3, the PSLV-C47 rocket will carry 13 commercial nanosatellites. ISRO says that the nanosatellites are from the US and is part of the commercial arrangement with the New Space India Ltd (NSIL), which was set up recently under the Department of Space.

ISRO Cartosat-3 For Surveillance

Additionally, the ANI reports that two other surveillance satellites, Risat-2BR1 and Risat-2BR2 will be launched in December. Reportedly, the Risat-2BR1 and Risat-2BR2 are capable of seeing through thick clouds, taking images in night mode, and more. All the surveillance satellites are targeted to keep a watch on border infiltration and other terror activities.

Advertisement

This isn't the first time ISRO is launching satellites for surveillance. Earlier, the premier space agency launched the Risat-2B on May 22 and EMISAT on April 1 for a similar purpose. The upcoming Cartosat-3 satellite will be positioned in an orbit of 509 km at an inclination of 97.5 degrees. The Cartosat-3 satellite is believed to be the next version of the Risat satellite series.

Best Mobiles in India